Difference between NAD 541 and 541i

dragon1952

I know the 541 had some tracking issues relating to CD-R playback but other than this what's the difference? Same 24-bit DACS? How about sound.
Thanks!

pjdami

You might find this review helpful. The "i" is for improved.

http://www.audioenz.co.nz/2002/nad_541i.shtml

Organ owns the 541. I auditioned the 541i and Rotel cdps last year and went with the Rotel. Both are nice players just a matter of personal preference.

pjdami

More info and reviews:

http://www.ecoustics.com/s.php?search=nad+c541i

dragon1952

Thanks dudes...I had seen several of those reviews but a couple I'd missed
I think if I go NAD I'd definitely go with the 541i or 542.

organ

Hi Dragon,
You can find reviews on their site as well. I believe they improved the circuitry for the "i" version and used a better transport. The 541 is great but IMO, it's too clinical sounding for regular redbook. The HDCD decoding sounds superb though. If you like the sound character of your AA DAC, I doubt you'll like the 541's internal DAC. If you want accuracy, it delivers. You should try to get the 'i' or 542.

Have you thought about a tube output CD player?

Maurice

dragon1952

Have you thought about a tube output CD player?

Hey bud! Oh man....I've thought about alot of things, unfortunately I am married and alone in my fascination with audio
The $299 for the 541i and $399 for the 542 is definitely within my range though. However, I'm always open to advice
...and, as you know, I am not opposed to buying used.

organ

Is it possible for you to demo the 541i and 542 in the same store?

Since you don't mind buying used you might want to check out this DAC... http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?dgtlconv&1094182447

Another... http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?dgtlconv&1094112094

Ah what the hell. You should check out all of them. http://buy.audiogon.com/cgia/fsb.pl?dgtlconv&1&ctg&st1 A lot are within your price range. What are you using as a transport at the moment?

Maurice

dragon1952

I've got a Sherwood Newcastle CD-980. It's got dual 20-bit Burr Browns and sounds pretty nice but I'd like a little better bass and detail. It's also developing a problem 'finding' the track info I guess...I don't know, but it makes a nasty sound like a fast 'eh-eh-eh-eh-eh-eh-eh' when I first insert a CD that goes on for sometimes 10 seconds until it displays the track info. It doesn't do it on all CD's but I'm wondering if it isn't affecting playback a little. Anyway, it's time to upgrade anyway as that was kind of an interim solution to begin with.

pjdami

If you like detail, definitely check out the new Rotel cdps. There are a few on audiogon too.

I have the Rotel as well as a tube output cdp. If you can find a used Jolida JD100 its one of the sweetest cd players I have ever owned (and I have like 5 different cdps in the house right now). The older cd players from like 7 to 8 years ago (like my Denon) compared to the new players is a significant difference in detail / bass / etc.

Like Organ states, you can change the tubes in it (2 12AX7s) to tailor your sound. If I want a warmer sounding source, I put in some SED 12AX7s tubes; if I want a livlier sound I can put in Sovtek 12AX7s. The tubes cost about $20 for the pair and should last between 5,000 to 10,000 hrs. My first set lasted me 6 months. Right now I'm running a set of Jan Phillips NOS tubes in my Jolida.. man it helps to eliminate that "electronic " or sterile sound that some cd players may have. Another tube output cdp is the Ah! Njoe cd player. EZC is a member here and owns / likes it. Then you have the world of tube DACS like Organ mentioned. I know a lot of stuff but its all pretty good.

You can read all you want about all of this but the best thing to do is start auditioning this stuff out. Looks like your heading in the right direction with the choices listed on this thread. Its all a matter of how much hurtin you want to put in the wallet...and what your ears tell you.

Good luck and sounds like you will be having some fun.

dragon1952

Thanks buds....I appreciate all of the input. The tubes sound intriguing.
BTW, what Rotel do you have?

pjdami

I have the older, about 3 year old RCD-961. The newer ones are the RCD-1070 and the RCD-1072 is this year's model. I compared the RCD-961 to the RCD-1070 in my house and didn't feel the need to "upgrade" to the RCD-1070. Me getting the Jolida after was just my first experience with getting into tubes the easy way with a cd player. You have to be careful what you mate the rotel with I have found as it is detailed. The NAD 541i I found to be a little more relaxed sounding.

But your upgrading from an older cd player to even a NAD newer model may be all the detail you need. Its really hard to give definitive advice on all this as this is all very personal and depends on what you like.

dragon1952

But your upgrading from an older cd player to even a NAD newer model may be all the detail you need.

Yeah.......you know, technology sucks in a way cause our pocketbooks can't always keep up! And if you always buy used you're even further behind

dragon1952

OK...I just pulled the trigger for one of the NAD C541i's at saturdayaudio for $299. This is $100 less than the lowest price anywhere else and many places are still selling it for the original list price of $499. Awesome deal if anyone is looking for a very well reviewed CD player. This will be paired with the NAD C320BEE I just bought from ATCVenom, which should arrive on Monday, and my Paradigm Studio 40's. This setup should be ideal for my 'spare bedroom' setup where only 'me', dragon1952, is allowed
I might add that there is NO bedroom furniture in this room. It is just my little 11 by 14 recluse

organ

Congrats! That's an awesome deal you got. So how do you like the sound?

Is this 'bedroom' system your second rig?

Oh yeah, your m/o should probably arrive tomorrow or Mon.

Maurice

dragon1952

org,
I just ordered it last night but I'll let you know. This system will replace my old main system. It's a bit more modest on power but I think it will be much better overall for the size of the room.
Later!

dragon1952

Well I just received the C541i and hooked it up and it took all of 30 seconds to realize what a significant upgrade this was. I was pessimistic, I must admit, but this has blown me away so far
My old player was no slouch. I realize Sherwood Newcastle isn't that well known but this was a player, with dual 20-bit Burr Browns and a very hefty build quality , that retailed for $550 around 5 years ago.
If there's a break in period I am looking forward to it because I'm happy the way it sounds now! Woo-freaking-hoo!

dorokusai

NAD = Cool.

organ

Super cool! Glad you're enjoying it. Mine made a big difference too when I first got it and it was hooked up to an Onkyo receiver. Can't remember if there was any difference after break-in though.

How does the DAC on the NAD compare to your AA stuff? Never heard the 541i.

Maurice

dragon1952

From just a couple listening sessions so far, I'd have to say maybe not quite as smooth as the AA DAC but much, much better bass control for sure over both the AA DAC and my old player. The bass tended to be too pronounced and out of control before to the point of being annoying. Better detail and clarity oer the entire soundstage. The individual instruments are more discernable and don't get obscured, especially the 'tinkly' sounds like chimes, triangles, bells, etc. They tended to get a little lost before. Very smooth, detailed and listenable overall.

pjdami

Congrats dragon on your purchase.

Remember to give it a good 75 - 100 hrs and it will sound even better. What interconnect are you using?

Paul

dragon1952

Hey pj....I'm currently using a pair of Outlaw PCA's. I've been pretty happy with these but I do swap cables in and out quite often. These are the only ones I've used so far with this player though.
I hope you're right about it sounding better. Even though I'm happy that would be very cool!